Major Construction Begins at I-285/I-20 West Interchange: Expect Delays

Beginning this week, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) will launch a major construction effort at the I-285/I-20 West Interchange, one of metro Atlanta’s most congested traffic zones. Commuters are being advised to expect delays as controlled blasting and traffic pacing operations get underway.

The project aims to reduce congestion and improve safety at the interchange, which the American Transportation Research Institute ranks among the top 10 worst bottlenecks in the country.

Starting Monday, July 21, GDOT crews will begin controlled blasting operations inside the interchange. This is part of a broader infrastructure project that includes geotechnical borings, utility work, and long-term roadway improvements.

Traffic pacing operations—where cars are deliberately slowed or halted—will occur Monday through Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to Noon through the summer. Each pacing event will last around 20 minutes, causing delays for southbound I-285 commuters merging onto I-20 eastbound.

Daytime Traffic Alerts:

Tuesday, July 22 – Thursday, July 24, 10:30 a.m. – Noon

• I-285 southbound from South Cobb Drive (MM 14.8) to I-20 Interchange (MM 10): Traffic pacing operations

Nighttime Closures & Lane Restrictions:

Monday, July 21 – Friday, July 25

• 7 p.m. – 6:30 a.m.
  • Six Flags Parkway (MM 0–1): Single right-lane and shoulder closures
• 8 p.m. – 5 a.m.
  • Harwell Rd, Delmar Ln, Fairburn Rd, Collier Dr: Single right-lane and shoulder closures
  • SR 70/Fulton Industrial Blvd southbound & SR 139/MLK Jr. Dr northbound: Single right-lane and shoulder closures
• 9 p.m. – 5 a.m.
  • I-20 westbound from Anderson Ave (MM 53.6) to Riverside Pkwy (MM 47)
  • I-285 southbound from Hollowell Pkwy to MLK Jr. Dr
  • I-285 northbound from Cascade Rd to Bolton Rd
• 11 p.m. – 5 a.m.
  • I-20 eastbound from Riverside Pkwy to I-285: Double lane closures

What This Means for You:

If your commute includes I-285 southbound, I-20 eastbound, or surrounding roads near the interchange, plan for additional travel time and consider alternate routes. The work is expected to continue through the summer as GDOT prepares for long-term improvements.

This is a critical step toward easing one of Atlanta’s worst traffic chokepoints, but in the short term, it will cause significant traffic disruptions.

Stay informed about closures and project updates at: https://www.dot.ga.gov